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Our researchers are working on different ways to develop a cure for type 1 diabetes - from growing insulin-producing beta cells in labs to hacking the immune system.
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The announcement is the biggest treatment breakthrough for type 1 diabetes since the discovery of insulin.
This World Diabetes Day, we’re inviting you to celebrate by wearing your most joyful, whimsical and downright wonderful outfits.
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Home > Knowledge & support > Living with type 1 diabetes > Everyday life > Driving
In general, you can drive if you have type 1 diabetes, unless your type 1 affects your ability to drive safely on the road.
Many people with type 1 drive safely without incident. There are two main risks when it comes to type 1 and driving – having a hypo and having impaired eyesight (retinopathy). There are rules in place to address these and make sure everyone is safe.
Yes. When you get a driving licence you must tell the DVLA that you have type 1 diabetes, using the confidential medical form DIAB1. You will be asked to fill out details about your type 1 treatment, blood glucose management and eyesight.
It’s possible that the DVLA might write to your doctor to ask them to recommend whether you should continue to drive.
Legally, if you have type 1 diabetes and you drive, you need to:
You also need to make sure you have a hypo treatment (like jelly babies, glucose tablets or fruit juice) and a snack with long-acting carbs (such as bread or pasta) in your car.
If you feel your levels are low, stop driving as soon as it’s safe, remove the key from the ignition and get out of the driver’s seat. Once you’ve treated your hypo, wait for 15 minutes, recheck your blood glucose and eat some carbohydrate. When you feel completely back to normal, wait 45 minutes until you drive again.
Drivers of cars and motorcycles (classed as Group 1 drivers) can use a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) or flash glucose monitor to check glucose levels, but you must carry a blood glucose meter with you to confirm readings from your sensors where:
For more information visit the Government website.
You will need to tell your car insurer that you have type 1 diabetes. Car insurance premiums can be slightly higher if you have type 1, so shopping around is a good way to get the best deals. Always make sure you read the small print.
There is no reason you shouldn’t learn to drive if you have type 1 diabetes. Talk to your Diabetes Healthcare Team about your blood glucose management routine and how you might manage this around lessons.
If you want to drive minibuses, coaches, lorries or buses (classed as Group 2 drivers) the rules are slightly different.
You will need to fill out a VDIAB1i which asks for information about your type 1 treatment, blood glucose management and eyesight.
The DVLA might then contact your doctor, arrange for you to be examined or ask you to take a driving or eyesight assessment.
You will also need to prove that you regularly check your blood glucose levels on a blood glucose meter that has the function to log when you do your checks. You’ll also need to declare that you haven’t had a hypo where you’ve needed help from someone else in the last 12 months.
CGM or flash cannot be used to check glucose levels when you’re driving a heavy vehicle. You must use a blood glucose meter to check your glucose levels whilst driving a heavy vehicle.
Get information about managing type 1 in the workplace.
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If you’re newly diagnosed, get information and support on how to manage type 1.
If you have type 1 there are a few things you will need to be aware of when you eat and drink, but that needn’t stop you enjoying delicious and nutritious food.
Find information about different types of jobs, how to manage your type 1 at work and the laws in place to protect you from discrimination.
Whether you’re walking the dog, ballet dancing or training for a marathon, learn how to manage your glucose levels and insulin intake for exercising.
Travelling with type 1 diabetes can be challenging, but with a bit of planning and tips from us there is no reason why you shouldn’t enjoy adventuring at home and abroad.
Different types of alcohol can affect your blood glucose in different ways. Get tips and advice to stay safe with alcohol.
Drugs can impact how you manage your type 1 and stay safe. Learn about the effects of drugs on type 1.
When you have type 1 diabetes, smoking can make it harder to manage your blood glucose levels and increase your risk of complications.
If you’re moving to the UK, understanding a new health system as well as everything else that comes with moving to a new country is a challenge.